Mission: New York Youth Symphony's (NYYS) mission is to educate and inspire young musicians through exceptional ensemble training and performance opportunities. The NYYS is one of the most awarded youth programs of its kind in the nation, recognized for its innovative, educational programs for talented young musicians. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted musicians ages 12-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, jazz, and musical theater songwriting with performances at world class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Through its commissioning program, First Music, the NYYS has commissioned over 170 works from young composers since 1984. (Less)

New York Youth Symphony is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1964, and donations are tax-deductible.